Tullibardine 25 Years Old 1990 Cask #HL 15223 (Hunter Laing)

Hunter Laing selected this Tullibardine, a 25 year old Highland malt from 1990, drawn from cask HL 15223 and bottled at 47.9%. The outturn was 174 bottles. Founded in 1949 in Perthshire, off the A9, Tullibardine is a soft, honeyed Highland malt. It is one of few distilleries to distil, mature and bottle all on the one site.

The spirit was made in copper stills for a soft, fruity make, for a fruity, mellow make. A refill American oak cask held it, keeping the soft character to the fore. Past twenty years the spirit turns honeyed and full while staying soft. The cool Highland climate gives a slow, even maturation over the years. Picard is a Burgundy wine family, and their casks come from vineyards across France. The name comes from the Gaelic for lookout hill, after a hill once used to watch for strangers. It is one of few distilleries to distil, mature and bottle entirely on the one site.

At a full 47.9% it is bold yet honeyed. Vanilla and a light toffee from the barrel, with honey, vanilla and a soft toffee. The mouthfeel is soft, the fruit carried on a honeyed body. The finish runs gentle, fruity and mellow. This is a mellow, fruity Highland single malt.